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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 GMC Yukon

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Overview

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2013 GMC Yukon Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

Whether you want an SUV that's big and powerful, flashy and full-featured, or is a relatively fuel-efficient hybrid, the 2013 GMC Yukon has a good chance of fitting your needs and style. Variety is aplenty in this full-size SUV that is a sibling to the Tahoe and Suburban from GM stablemate Chevrolet. This 3-row SUV comes in regular and extended lengths, with rear- (2WD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD), and with a variety of engine options, including a hybrid setup that enables this rig to achieve up to 23 mpg. In high-end Denali form, it can give a Cadillac Escalade a run for its money. If your needs are more pragmatic and involve towing up to 9,600 pounds, that can be accomplished with the three-quarter-ton 2500 model.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you regularly need to carry eight or nine people and their gear – and don't want to be seen in a minivan – the GMC easily accommodates passengers and cargo. Those who need serious towing ability will find plenty of it even in lower-trim models of the 2013 Yukon.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you don't need to tow heavy loads and would like an SUV that's more fuel-efficient and easier to maneuver, a vehicle such as the 2013 GMC Acadia or 2013 Honda Pilot would make a more sensible choice.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.5
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.9
Value

7.5
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#24

out of 27

MPG

#4

out of 27

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 GMC Yukon carries over unchanged except for a new exterior color (Champagne Silver Metallic) and the ability to use powertrain grade braking in normal transmission mode to reduce brake wear when going downhill.

Driving the Yukon

Driving Impressions Though their size can make these vehicles unwieldy to maneuver in tight spots, the 2013 GMC Yukon has a confident and civilized ride once on the road. The three V8...

engines offered (5.3-liter in the Yukon, 6.0-liter in the Yukon XL and 6.2-liter in the Denali) offer decent-to-good passing power for such a large vehicle. In hybrid form, these SUVs team the 6.0-liter V8 engine with a pair of battery-powered electric motors to attain better fuel economy, something for which the other versions are not known. Even with the increased fuel economy, hybrid versions can still tow at least 6,000 pounds. Overall, the Yukon has a surprisingly comfortable, compliant ride. Gasoline models shift smoothly with their 6-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid versions use an electrically variable version and automatic start/stop function to conserve fuel.

Favorite Features

ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT
While SUVs and hyper-miling don't exactly go hand in hand, the Yukon does what it can to eke out a few more miles per gallon with GM's Active Fuel Management. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines use this technology to essentially turn their 8-cylinder engines into 4-cylinder engines when less power is needed. Fewer running cylinders means less fuel consumed.

BLIND SPOT MONITORING
With the proliferation of smaller cars on the road, drivers of big vehicles such as the Yukon can only benefit from extra safety features. This one – standard on Denali and optional on SLT models – uses radar beams to keep high-tech eyes focused on the spots that yours may miss.

2013 GMC Yukon Details

2013 GMC Yukon Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Technically, the 2013 GMC Yukon can carry up to nine people across three rows of seats. But buyers who opt for this setup will likely be in the minority, as customers often choose the more comfortable setup of twin bucket seats up front. This also leaves room for a big center console between those seats to store items large and small. Indeed, this big vehicle's exterior dimensions and boxy shape give it the kind of space that could command rent in New York City. Even standard-length models have a good amount of cargo space behind their third-row seats. If you regularly need to carry adults in the third row, the XL is the better choice.

Exterior

The 2013 GMC Yukon definitely appears imposing. Park it next to a Yukon XL model, though, and watch how quickly the regular-length version disappears. At 222.4 inches long, the XL adds 20 inches and, from bow to stern, rivals 1970s' land barges like the Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Continental. Denali versions add bling to the Yukon's outer box with features like a honeycomb grille, power-retractable side steps and 20-inch wheels. Hybrid models are slightly altered with a lowered front, and aluminum hood and liftgate for better aerodynamics and less weight. Denali versions of the hybrid ride on massive, 22-inch chrome wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2013 Yukon SLE comes with power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and AM/FM/CD stereo system with USB port and nine Bose speakers. SLT models add leather seats, power-adjustable pedals, rearview camera and rear-parking sensor. Denali models up the ante with a larger and more powerful V8 engine, AutoRide suspension for a more comfortable ride, heated and cooled front seats, 10-speaker sound system, and blind-zone monitoring. Hybrid versions, like Denali models, have navigation standard along with other features found in higher-trim Yukon SLT models.

Optional Equipment

Many of the features found on the top-line 2013 GMC Yukon Denali can also be added to SLE and SLT versions as options. Among them are navigation systems and heated and cooled front seats. Other options include 4-wheel-drive, power moonroof, 20- or 22-inch wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, heavy-duty trailering package, blind-spot monitoring system, chrome grille, and assist steps for easier entry into this tall SUV.

Under the Hood

The 2013 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SLE and SLT models are powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 320 horsepower and that can also run on an ethanol blend. Yukon XL 2500 models are heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton vehicles that use a 6.0-liter V8 engine good for 352 horsepower. Yukon Denali models use an even bigger, 6.2-liter V8 that makes 403 horsepower. Yukon Hybrid models are fitted with a 6.0-liter V8 paired to a 2-mode system that employs two 60-kilowatt electric motors. All models except the hybrid use a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid has an electrically variable transmission (EVT).

5.3-liter V8 FlexFuel
320 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
326 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm (E85)
335 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
348 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm (E85)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg (gasoline), 11/16 mpg (E85)

6.0-liter V8 FlexFuel
352 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
382 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 10/16 mpg (2WD), 10/15 mpg (4WD)

6.2-liter V8 FlexFuel
403 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
417 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 mpg (2WD, gasoline), 10/15 mpg (2WD, E85), 13/18 mpg (4WD, gasoline), 10/14 mpg (4WD, E85)

6.0-liter V8 hybrid
332 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Yukon line ranges from about $41,000 for a rear-wheel-drive SLE model to more than $65,000 for a loaded Yukon Denali Hybrid with 4WD. The Yukon's starting price is in line with the other full-size SUVs such as the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. It is above that of the smaller Dodge Durango. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com to determine how much shoppers are paying in your area. In terms of resale value, the Yukon is like others in this category except the Sequoia – just marginal, with hybrid versions faring worse than regular models.

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2013 GMC Yukon Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 355 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.2/10

problems, nothing but

By BDS (ME) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Interior"

Cons: "too many to list"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Owned a Chevy Tahoe, then bought the Denali. Both were constantly in the shop. Unfortunately we bought the Denali for the nice interior and room it provided. That's where it ends for these vehicles. Problem after problem and we're done with Chevy and GMC for good. Both vehicles had all kinds of problems. Mechanical, engine, suspension, etc etc. The Denali looks great but you'll end up spending more in the shop."

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My Yukon rocks- love its style comfort performance

By chacha (WY) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "COMFORT, SAFETY, FAIR PRICE, VERY GOOD LOOKING"

Cons: "GAS PRICES NOTWITHSTANDING, STILL A CHOICE RIDE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Looking good is great but dependability and safety rates high on the list. Turning heads is inevitable, so get ready for that. Comfort is max, great for family excursions!"

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Best vehicle I've ever had

By Aaron (MN) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned about every type of SUV out there and my Yukon Denali Hybrid tops them all. It's not even a comparison. To be able to average 22 mpg while having great power and comfort is unbeatable. When you drive it, it is clear it is such a solid truck. I bought it used and have never had any issues with it at all."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Bittersweet!

By guntherboy (VA) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Drove very nice. Ample room. Great turning ratio"

Cons: "Pricey. Tend to have mechanical issues over time."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I bought my 2007 SLE 2x2 new and have babied it with regular maintenance. I rarely put more than 3500 miles on it before an oil change and go by the book with recommended maintenance. It now has 135,000 miles on it and looks like new. I started getting a "service traction control" reading and took it in for service. A funny thing happened on my way to get it serviced. The engine (5.3 liter V8) developed a small miss. I asked the dealership to check the miss out as well. They called and advised me that it dropped a valve and they found metal in the oil pan. Long story short it requires a new engine. Granted I have 135000 miles on it which are 50/50 highway and city but I know of three other people who have had a similar experience. The dealership where I get mine serviced had one the day before I took mine in as well. It had 115000 miles on it. Otherwise I loved this SUV. It was a pleasure to drive and I got 22 miles per gallon when on the road and around 17-18 in town. Will I buy another one? Probably not. I am not willing to make a $40-50k mistake."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I love my car

By Rose (CA) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my Yukon for the last 5 years and haven't had any issues with it besides normal maintenance. It very comfortable to drive, turning radius is great and makes it very easy to drive and move in small parking areas. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants or needs a large vehicle."

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I have had it for 5 mon.

By Pat (OH) on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It is a great car. No doubt. I bought it in October of 2012. It is a 2012 modle. I got the SLT 4X4 modle. The gas is tough, but I need a Car this big since I have 4 kids. My family gave it the nickname "couches on wheels" Do to how spacious and comfortable it is. It is the best Car I have ever had. The only problem I have had with it is the trunk. It makes noises. We took it back to the shop. They said the brackets were lose. We had had no further problem with it. I would reccomend this car to many people. It is very trustfull."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 355 reviews